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星期四, 3月 02, 2017

Treasurer Deborah Goldberg Announces Latest Release of Unclaimed Property Listings

Treasurer Deborah Goldberg Announces Latest Release of Unclaimed Property Listings
Over 55,000 New Properties are Owed to Individuals and Businesses

BOSTON - Massachusetts State Treasurer Deb Goldberg today announced the latest grouping of names that have been added to the state’s list of unclaimed property owners. Over 55,000 new properties worth millions of dollars are owed to individuals and businesses throughout the Commonwealth.
"Give us a call today,” said Treasurer Deb Goldberg. “We currently hold over $2 billion in unclaimed property at Treasury and it could be yours. One in ten Massachusetts residents are owed money.”
Unclaimed property includes forgotten savings and checking accounts, un-cashed checks, insurance policy proceeds, stocks, dividends, and the contents of unattended safe deposit boxes. Most accounts are considered abandoned and are turned over to the state after three years of inactivity. Last year Treasury returned over $114 million in property to its rightful owners, making the Commonwealth the state to return the most money on a per-capita basis.
This newly released list includes only individuals and businesses with unclaimed property over $100. Treasurer Goldberg urged all citizens to check the comprehensive list for all amounts at www.findmassmoney.com or to call our live call center at 888-344-MASS (6277).
The full list of the new individuals and businesses added to the unclaimed property list will be published in the Boston Globe on Sunday, March 5 and in the Boston Herald on Sunday, March 12. In addition to these two papers the list of names will be published in over 30 regional and local papers.
The Treasury releases an updated list of unclaimed property assets every six months as the new accounts are turned over to the Commonwealth. There is no time limit for a person to claim this property and, in many cases, claimants will receive interest.

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES HIRING OF ARTIST RESOURCE MANAGER TO SERVE AS CITY LIAISON TO LOCAL ARTISTS

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES HIRING OF ARTIST RESOURCE MANAGER TO SERVE AS CITY LIAISON TO LOCAL ARTISTS
BOSTON - Thursday, March 2, 2017 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced the hiring of Julia Ryan as the Artist Resource Manager in the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture. The position, included as one of the action items in Boston Creates, is newly created and will act as a single point of entry to City Hall for creative people and businesses looking to find information about a wide range of issues, from permitting and licensing processes to affordable housing, and financial literacy to small business support.

"I am thrilled that we are opening up an important channel of communication between local artists and their city government by creating an Artist Resource Manager," said Mayor Walsh. "Responding to the needs of artists is a crucial part of the cultural plan, and I am confident that Julia will do an exceptional job in serving as a liaison to our creative community."

The Artist Resource Manager position was first proposed during one of the Mayor's many conversations with members of the artist community, and envisioned during the cultural planning process as a liaison specifically for artists, modeled after the coordinators in the Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services. The City heard from the community that artists have some specialized needs and would be best served by someone who understands artists and arts organizations, as well as City systems.

In 2015, Mayor Walsh launched Boston Creates, a cultural planning process designed to create a long-term plan for arts and culture. When the plan was unveiled in 2016, it detailed five goals designed to create a cultural shift in the city: building a sustainable arts ecosystem, supporting Boston artists, promoting cultural equity, integrating arts and culture into all aspects of civic life and engaging both likely and unlikely partners, uniting them in the goal of ensuring Boston becomes a leading city for the arts.

"I am so excited to have Julia join our team," said Julie Burros, Chief of Arts and Culture for the City of Boston. "She has many years of experience of working directly with artists and we know that she will bring that experience to bear as she enters this new role at City Hall."

The goal of this position is to help creative people find the resources and assistance they need to do creative projects. Not only will Julia help artists and arts navigate City Hall, she will also serve as an aggregator of information and resources, focused on artists and creative practice. Ms. Ryan will be located at the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture in Rm. 802 at City Hall and can be reached at 617-635-ARTS (2787).

Julia formerly served as an Arts in Education Council Consultant at Harvard Graduate School of Education in Cambridge, where she worked to advance developmental goals for the school's arts department initiatives. Prior to that, Julia worked as an Education and Development Coordinator at the Urbano Project and a volunteer curator at Unbound Visual Artists. She graduated with a Master of Education degree from Harvard Graduate School of Education, and lives in Jamaica Plain.

Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture (MOAC)
The Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture's mission is to support artists, the cultural sector, and to promote access to the arts for all. The office houses the Boston Cultural Council, the Boston Art Commission, and the Poet Laureate program. Responsibilities include implementing the City's cultural plan, Boston Creates; managing the Boston Artist-in-Residence program; curating exhibitions in City Hall; and operating the historic Strand Theater in Dorchester.
For more information, look here. 

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES FORMATION OF BUSINESS CAPITAL AND FINANCE UNIT

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES FORMATION OF BUSINESS CAPITAL AND FINANCE UNIT

Refocused small business lending will increase economic mobility and prioritize historically underserved neighborhoods and demographics

BOSTON - Thursday, March 2, 2017 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh announced yesterday the formation of the Business Capital and Finance Unit in his speech at the Boston Municipal Research Bureau's annual meeting. Housed within the Mayor's Office of Economic Development, the Business Capital and Finance Unit will prioritize small business lending in historically underserved neighborhoods and demographics to support job creation in low-to-moderate income households and the revitalization of neighborhood commercial districts.

"Supporting Boston's small business economy is one of my administration's top priorities, and I am proud to add a financial tool to our small business resource toolkit," Mayor Martin J. Walsh. "By repurposing our small business loans to target strategic industries and neighborhoods, we will ensure that struggling small businesses and entrepreneurs have the opportunity to benefit, grow, and thrive in areas where we see the greatest economic development potential."

Led by John FitzGerald, the Business Capital and Finance Unit will utilize the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) to distribute flexible gap financing and micro loans to restaurants, immigrant-owned businesses, women and minority-owned businesses, and industrial small businesses within the City of Boston. These flexible loans will assist businesses in rehabbing existing buildings, new construction and expansion, purchasing equipment, and startup costs.

"With Mayor Walsh's leadership we were able to reexamine and refocus our current lending strategy to support the growing sectors of business that have the potential to create jobs and revitalize neighborhoods in the most need," said John FitzGerald. "By providing a flexible financing option, we will be able to support more small businesses and entrepreneurs and promote economic mobility across the City of Boston."

Released in March 2016, the city's first-ever Small Business Plan identified approximately 400 capital providers in or serving Boston. However, the lack of availability and access to capital resources was found to be a prominent gap in Boston's small business ecosystem. To provide solutions to traditional lending challenges and introduce innovative capital resources, this new, flexible product from the City of Boston builds off of successful ongoing progress to connect small businesses and provide guidance on Boston's 250 business support organizations.

About the Mayor's Office of Economic Development
The Economic Development Cabinet's mission is to make Boston an appealing and accessible place for working families, entrepreneurs, businesses, and investors to innovate, grow, and thrive in a way that fosters inclusion, broadens opportunity, and shares prosperity, thereby enhancing the quality of life for all Bostonians and the experience for all visitors. Learn more on their website.

麻州民主黨要求立即解聘總檢察長Sessions

MASSACHUSETTS DEMOCRATIC PARTY CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE RESIGNATION OF ATTORNEY GENERAL SESSIONS
BOSTON – Massachusetts Democratic Party Chair Gus Bickford released the following statement today calling on the resignation of U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions:
“We stand with the entire Massachusetts congressional delegation in calling for Attorney General Jeff Sessions to resign immediately.
“Our nation’s top law enforcement official lied under oath about meeting with the Russians not once but twice during a time he was one of the Trump campaign’s top advisors and surrogates. This latest revelation about the ongoing relationship between Trump and the Russians is a blow to our national security and the American people deserve answers.
“Donald Trump and his advisors have lied repeatedly about their connections to Russia. Until a thorough, independent investigation is conducted, the security of our democracy and the integrity of our elections hang in the balance.”

麻州府撥款200萬元培訓STEM人才

Baker-Polito Administration Celebrates $2 Million in Workforce and STEM Grants to Educational Institutions in Greater Boston

Massachusetts Life Sciences Center capital grants will grow the innovation economy and prepare a trained workforce

Boston – March 2, 2017 - Today Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Jay Ash joined Education Secretary Jim Peyser, Massachusetts Life Sciences Center President and CEO Travis McCready, Boston Chief of Education Rahn Dorsey, local elected officials, and officials from Greater Boston educational institutions, to celebrate over $2 million in capital grant funding for regional workforce development and STEM education projects. The grants, from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC), advance the Baker-Polito Administration’s commitment to build a highly trained workforce and seed job creation in regions across Massachusetts.

Secretary Ash celebrated the regional grant awards at a ceremony at the John D. O’Bryant School of Mathematics and Science in Boston’s Roxbury neighborhood. The O’Bryant is receiving more than $185,000 in MLSC grant funding, enabling the school to purchase advanced equipment to support its technology and science program, and assist students in earning internships in high-tech, engineering and life sciences.

The awards are part of a statewide grant round that is delivering a total of $39 million in MLSC capital grants to 14 research and educational institutions, and 49 middle and high schools, across Massachusetts.

“Investments in the vitality of the Massachusetts workforce are critical to ensuring long-term growth in our economy,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Our ongoing efforts to deliver a high-quality STEM education to middle- and high-school students, and our focus on delivering impactful workforce training opportunities at community colleges and other institutions of higher education, will allow Massachusetts residents to access quality careers in growing fields, including robotics, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and biotechnology.”
“These capital grants from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center deepen our administration’s efforts to build vibrant regions, from Cape Ann to the Berkshires,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “By training middle school and high school students on state-of-the-art STEM equipment, and creating new pipelines for workforce development and scientific breakthroughs, these awards will create new economic opportunities in Greater Boston, and help build a stronger Commonwealth.”

“Boston’s students deserve the best resources to match their potential, and these investments will go a long way towards equipping them with the tools and training needed to excel in STEM and high-tech careers,” said Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh. “I thank Governor Baker and his Administration for investing in Boston’s educational institutions, which in turn will increase access to high quality careers and strengthen our city’s competitive workforce.”

“One of our capital investment plan priorities is to make strategic investments in the future workforce of the Commonwealth, including STEM programs for our students,” said Administration and Finance Secretary Kristen Lepore. “By awarding these capital grants today, the administration is once again leveraging our resources to invest in the Commonwealth’s growing biotech industry.”

“Massachusetts is building the nation’s most competitive economy by investing in workforce development, and in the infrastructure of innovation,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash. “By updating equipment in labs, offering professional development for our teachers, and improving the quality of STEM education for students in Boston, Chelsea, Cambridge, Everett, Malden and Medford, these awards will keep our schools competitive, and they will equip local residents with the skills needed to retain our title as the most innovative state in the nation.”

“Creating high quality career pathways for young people is vital to their future success, and economic vitality of the Commonwealth,” said Education Secretary James Peyser. “The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center capital grants help a broad array of educational institutions advance life sciences curriculum, which will enable more of our students to be prepared for careers in growing industries now and in the future.”

“The MLSC continues to make major capital investments to support education and training at academic institutions across the entire Commonwealth in order to meet the workforce needs of our state’s fastest-growing industry,” said Travis McCready, President and CEO of the MLSC. “Our capital grant will enable Biobuilder, a key partner in the MLSC’s High School Apprenticeship Challenge, to significantly enhance their capacity for workforce training, so that our students will be better prepared for career opportunities in the life sciences. Through our STEM equipment and supply grants, area high schools and middle schools will be better positioned to connect students with jobs in the fast-growing Massachusetts life sciences ecosystem. In both cases, we are excited to play a role in supporting economic growth and workforce preparedness in Greater Boston.”

Funding for the awards is drawn from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center’s Competitive Capital Program, and the Center’s competitive STEM Equipment and Supplies Grant Program.

The MLSC’s Competitive Capital Program provides grants for capital projects that support the life sciences ecosystem in Massachusetts by enabling and supporting life sciences workforce development and training, research and development, commercialization and manufacturing in the Commonwealth. The program funds high-potential economic development projects by nonprofit entities that make significant contributions to the state’s life sciences ecosystem. To date, the MLSC has awarded or committed more than $405 million to support capital projects across the state.

The MLSC’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Equipment and Supplies Grant Program funds the purchase of equipment and supplies for high schools and middle schools in the Commonwealth. The program helps schools train students for life sciences careers, increase student achievement and student interest in STEM fields, and support the implementation of the state's STEM standards. The competitive program is open to vocational-technical high schools, public high schools and middle schools located in Gateway Cities, and public high schools and middle schools with economically disadvantaged student populations. To date, the STEM Equipment and Supplies Grant Program has awarded more than $16.3 million to 149 different schools and organizations throughout Massachusetts, and leveraged more than $1 million in matching funds from industry partners.

Greater Boston Regional 2017 MLSC Competitive Capital and STEM Equipment Awards:

BioBuilder Learning Lab, Cambridge - $500,000
The BioBuilder Learning Lab will expand its curricular offerings, expanding innovative, hands-on STEM programming to roughly 1,000 new students, as well as hundreds of secondary and post-secondary teachers and community participants.

Boston Educational Development Foundation, Inc., Boston - $222,415
The Boston Educational Development Foundation will use MLSC funding to develop and implement the Boston STEM Week collaboration between i2 Learning and the Boston Public Schools. This program will allow over 30 Boston public middle schools to take part in STEM Week, featuring hands-on curricula developed by MIT and other leading STEM organizations, while giving teachers tools to use year-round.

Brooke Charter High School, Boston - $100,000
MLSC funding will enable the Brooke Charter High School, which opened in 2016, to purchase start-up instructional equipment and supplies for courses in biology and chemistry.

Cambridge Rindge and Latin School, Cambridge - $105,000
Cambridge Rindge and Latin School will establish a bio-manufacturing training program within the biotechnology program at the Ridge School of Technical Arts. Ridge’s new bio-manufacturing training program will prepare students to enter workforce readiness programs at local community colleges.

Chelsea High School, Chelsea - $108,029
Chelsea High School will boost its science department through new equipment and professional development to promote science and engineering practicing and help students develop deep proficiency in the school’s STEM curriculum.

East Boston High School, Boston - $110,000
MLSC funding will allow East Boston High School to expand its current biotechnology program, integrate engineering practices into its biology curriculum, support existing AP programming, advance school-wide science initiatives, and fund professional development for teachers. Funds will also allow collaboration with partners in higher education and industry to support student achievement and increase student summer internships and employment through the Boston Private Industry Council.

George Keverian Middle School, Everett - $59,629
MLSC funding will support George Keverian Middle School’s initiative to increase partnerships with local colleges, universities and businesses to create enriching experiences for students. Additionally, the school will use funds to support STEM curriculum that prioritizes hands-on activities and inquiry based learning.

Jeremiah E. Burke High School, Boston - $105,700
Jeremiah E. Burke High School will develop STEM career training pathways to area post-secondary institutions, including UMass Boston and Roxbury Community College.

John D. O'Bryant School of Mathematics and Science, Boston - $186,420
MLSC funding will allow the O’Bryant school to modernize its technology and science program through state-of-the-art equipment and additional tools to support an advanced curriculum. Students will also gain additional exposure to high-tech engineering and life sciences internships through rigorous cross-curricular STEM programming.

Madison Park Technical Vocational High School, Boston - $110,000
MLSC funding will support Madison Park’s effort to increase student enrollment in three technology pathways: programming and web development, medical technology, and information systems service networking. Madison Park aims to triple enrollment in the three pathways by the 2019-2020 school year.

Malden High School, Malden - $26,000
Malden High School will purchase three thermocyclers, two incubators and consumables to enhance curriculum and programming in Biology classrooms, and the school’s pathology elective.

Massachusetts Biotechnology Education Foundation, Cambridge - $95,000
MLSC grant funding will help MassBioEd seed two grant programs at participating schools across the Commonwealth. MassBioEd’s SPOT program will give at least nine high-need schools the ability to purchase new equipment to implement its biotech curricula, while its TOTE lending program will assist in the purchase of equipment to establish biotechnology programming at four schools.

Medford Vocational Technical High School, Medford - $99,516
Medford Vocational Technical High School will purchase materials and equipment necessary to establish a new automation laboratory, with a focus on automation applications and broader STEM skills in the life sciences industries.

Prospect Hill Academy Charter School, Cambridge - $21,000
Prospect Hill Academy Charter School will expand its science laboratory space and provide teachers with additional training to develop project-based curricula, enhancing students’ experience in STEM courses.

Snowden International School, Boston - $101,600
MLSC funds will allow the Snowden International School to implement significant equipment and infrastructure upgrades in their lab spaces, which have not been updated in over 20 years. Improvements will allow for enhanced focus on data comprehension and lab experiences for students in STEM courses.

TechBoston Academy High School, Boston - $105,970
TechBoston Academy High School will create a MakerSpace, allowing for cross-curriculum collaboration and career-focused academic experiences. Students will have the opportunity to learn across the fields of graphic design, biology and engineering, to develop a career-applicable skill-set.

About the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center
The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) is an investment agency that supports life sciences innovation, education, research and development and commercialization. The MLSC is charged with implementing a $1-billion, state-funded investment initiative. These investments create jobs and support advances that improve health and well-being. The MLSC offers the nation’s most comprehensive set of incentives and collaborative programs targeted to the life sciences ecosystem. These programs propel the growth that has made Massachusetts the global leader in life sciences. The MLSC creates new models for collaboration and partners with organizations, both public and private, around the world to promote innovation in the life sciences. Learn more at http://www.masslifesciences.com/

波市長設新職位 聘Julia Ryan為藝術家資源經理

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES HIRING OF ARTIST RESOURCE MANAGER TO SERVE AS CITY LIAISON TO LOCAL ARTISTS
BOSTON - Thursday, March 2, 2017 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced the hiring of Julia Ryan as the Artist Resource Manager in the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture. The position, included as one of the action items in Boston Creates, is newly created and will act as a single point of entry to City Hall for creative people and businesses looking to find information about a wide range of issues, from permitting and licensing processes to affordable housing, and financial literacy to small business support.

"I am thrilled that we are opening up an important channel of communication between local artists and their city government by creating an Artist Resource Manager," said Mayor Walsh. "Responding to the needs of artists is a crucial part of the cultural plan, and I am confident that Julia will do an exceptional job in serving as a liaison to our creative community."

The Artist Resource Manager position was first proposed during one of the Mayor's many conversations with members of the artist community, and envisioned during the cultural planning process as a liaison specifically for artists, modeled after the coordinators in the Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services. The City heard from the community that artists have some specialized needs and would be best served by someone who understands artists and arts organizations, as well as City systems.

In 2015, Mayor Walsh launched Boston Creates, a cultural planning process designed to create a long-term plan for arts and culture. When the plan was unveiled in 2016, it detailed five goals designed to create a cultural shift in the city: building a sustainable arts ecosystem, supporting Boston artists, promoting cultural equity, integrating arts and culture into all aspects of civic life and engaging both likely and unlikely partners, uniting them in the goal of ensuring Boston becomes a leading city for the arts.

"I am so excited to have Julia join our team," said Julie Burros, Chief of Arts and Culture for the City of Boston. "She has many years of experience of working directly with artists and we know that she will bring that experience to bear as she enters this new role at City Hall."

The goal of this position is to help creative people find the resources and assistance they need to do creative projects. Not only will Julia help artists and arts navigate City Hall, she will also serve as an aggregator of information and resources, focused on artists and creative practice. Ms. Ryan will be located at the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture in Rm. 802 at City Hall and can be reached at 617-635-ARTS (2787).

Julia formerly served as an Arts in Education Council Consultant at Harvard Graduate School of Education in Cambridge, where she worked to advance developmental goals for the school's arts department initiatives. Prior to that, Julia worked as an Education and Development Coordinator at the Urbano Project and a volunteer curator at Unbound Visual Artists. She graduated with a Master of Education degree from Harvard Graduate School of Education, and lives in Jamaica Plain.

Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture (MOAC)
The Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture's mission is to support artists, the cultural sector, and to promote access to the arts for all. The office houses the Boston Cultural Council, the Boston Art Commission, and the Poet Laureate program. Responsibilities include implementing the City's cultural plan, Boston Creates; managing the Boston Artist-in-Residence program; curating exhibitions in City Hall; and operating the historic Strand Theater in Dorchester.
For more information, look here. 

美國華人青年時尚圈成形

轉載

展现精彩 美国华人青年时尚圈成形
http://www.aacyf.org/?p=6845

本科毕业自中国知名大学武汉大学、研究生毕业自美国常春藤大学--哥伦比亚大学统计学专业的女留学生杨静竹。凭借她自己对时尚的敏锐视角、广泛人脉,以及她经营自己创业成立的时尚公司的能力,在纽约和洛杉矶的高端时尚圈内、成为具有较高知名度的华人时尚女王。
近期,因为公司有合作项目在洛杉矶,杨静竹在洛杉矶短住,她在好莱坞伊朗朋友的山顶大宅内邀请洛杉矶华裔时尚圈朋友聚会,交流时尚圈动态,探讨合作机会。来自当地电影、媒体、娱乐、时尚界的知名人士近百名应邀出席。美国华人青年时尚圈逐渐成形
杨静竹表示,当时在哥伦比亚大学读书时,曾经做过记者,采访了许多纽约的金融业精英,后来又被一个时尚杂志招揽,接触到了时尚圈。
谈及创业的缘由,杨静竹表示,纽约时装周的时候,一个欧美时装品牌找到我,想通过我找一个中国企业做他们品牌的After Party赞助商,我就试着帮忙找了找,最后还真的就找到了,随后并安排了一系列的活动,并从中看到商机。由此创办了中美时代集团(AmeriChina Group),开始致力于为中国的企业、机构或个人在美国的交流拓展提供咨询与支持,同时,协助美国企业建立及扩大其品牌在中国当代经济市场中的影响力
公司由来自全球顶尖大学(如常春藤盟校等)的精英毕业生组成。杨静竹表示,怀着对中美关系的深刻认识,坚信无论是何种规模的中美友好合作都将为所有的参与方带来显著的效益增长。时尚行业目前也正是机会最大的行业之一。
杨静竹帮助中国的设计师在美国的主流时装周(节)上展示自己的作品,邀请中国企业参与美国主流社会的高端交际聚会,与众多国际巨星和品牌负责人广交朋友。作为纽约时装周、奥斯卡、艾美奖的常客,她也协助来自中国的时尚界和专业人士获得参与的机会。希望在美国的时尚圈为中国品牌开路。
来自中国、正在好莱坞影视圈崭露头角的青年演员唐辰瀛(Chen Tang)、来自台湾,留学后留在好莱坞发展的青年演员、模特Anita Liao等在聚会活动中表示,华人在美国电影和时尚圈的机会正在迅速增加,华人时尚圈还需要形成更大的力量,这样也可以为华人争取到更多的机会。
英文版《洛杉矶邮报》独立董事任向东表示,与早期的中国留学生就业选择相比,现在的留学生毕业后的创业和就业领域遍及各行业,时尚业也是入门门槛较高的行业,流利的英文、对时尚的激情和经济实力,另外行业规则、有效的人际网络的因素都非常重要。

国际时尚业的交流,不存在不同话语体系的差异,像杨静竹、唐辰瀛Anita Liao等留学生,以流利、近乎无口音的英文,健康、亮丽、亲切的外形和微笑,凭借自己的学识和坚持,在这个领域内展现了华人的青春时尚风貌。(AACYF洛杉矶讯)

星期三, 3月 01, 2017

Governor Baker Makes Two Judicial Nominations

Governor Baker Makes Two Judicial Nominations

BOSTON – Today, Governor Charlie Baker nominated Mary Rudolph Black as an Associate Justice of the Probate & Family Court, and Richard J. Sinnott to serve as a Boston Municipal Court Justice. Black has extensive experience practicing before the Probate & Family Court and Sinnott has served for over 25 years in civil and criminal law, including as a Judge Advocate in the U.S. Army Reserves and law professor at Suffolk University.

“I am pleased to nominate two experienced attorneys who have served their communities well and with distinction throughout their careers,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Richard Sinnott’s diverse legal experience and his commitment to human rights laws will make him a welcome addition to the Trial Court system and Mary Rudolph Black’s compassion and understanding of the issues before the Probate and Family Court will make her an invaluable and fair arbiter for the Commonwealth’s families.”

Black is being nominated for the seat vacated by The Honorable Peter C. DiGangi and Sinnott for the seat vacated by The Honorable Patricia E. Bernstein.

“These attorneys’ deep understanding of the law through practice, teaching and activity within their communities have prepared them to address the issues that will come before the respective courts to which they are being nominated,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito.  “I look forward to the Governor’s Council’s review.”

The Probate and Family Court Department has jurisdiction over family-related and probate matters such as divorce, paternity, child support, custody, visitation, adoption, termination of parental rights, abuse prevention and wills, estates, trusts, guardianships and conservatorships.

The Boston Municipal Court Department has thirty judges serving the City of Boston in eight court divisions located in Brighton, Central (downtown), Charlestown, Dorchester, East Boston, Roxbury, South Boston and West Roxbury.

Judicial nominations are subject to the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council. Applicants for judicial openings are reviewed by the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) and recommended to the governor. Governor Baker established the JNC in February, 2015 pursuant to Executive Order 558, a non-partisan, non-political Commission composed of volunteers from a cross-section of the Commonwealth's diverse population to screen judicial applications. Twenty-one members were later appointed to the JNC in April, 2015.

About Mary Rudolph Black

Mary Rudolph Black has been an attorney in Massachusetts since 1986. After receiving her B.A. in Government from Colby College in 1982 and J.D. from New England School of Law in 1985, Black practiced as an associate with the Gloucester firm of Porter and Coakley for four years, concentrating in contested domestic relations, and probating of estate cases and real estate matters. In 1991, she opened her own office litigating extensively in juvenile and Probate and Family Court matters. Before returning to her own practice in 1997, Black worked at the Gloucester firm, Black and Pontisakos for three years in domestic relations and probate litigation. Her private practice focuses on domestic relations, guardianship, conservatorship and estate matters, and she serves the court as a Guardian ad Litem. Black is a member of the Massachusetts, Essex County, and Gloucester County Bar associations and an active member of her community in Gloucester.

About Richard J. Sinnott

Richard J. Sinnott, a life long Boston resident, has practiced civil and criminal law from his own law office for more than 25 years. An Army Reserve judge advocate and Iraq war veteran, Sinnott also serves as an adjunct professor at Suffolk University Law School where he teaches law of war. He also teaches law and human rights to international military officers at the U.S. Department of Defense Institute of International Legal Studies. He is a graduate of Boston Latin School, Norwich University and Suffolk University Law School. He lives with his wife Eleanor in Charlestown.

吳新興晤海外二二八受難遺屬 談歷史傳承

僑務委員會於28日晚間和海外二二八遺屬返鄉訪問團餐敘,委員長吳新興在晚宴開始前致詞表示,希望這趟旅程不僅讓受難者家屬心情平靜,也希望遺屬們返回僑居地後與家人分享返台的所見所聞。
吳新興表示,新政府對於二二八事件受害家屬十分重視,總統蔡英文更指示外交部及僑委會的駐外人員,要特別關注海外受難者遺屬一年一度的二二八紀念活動。僑委會為回應海外鄉親的期望,已訂定海外僑社辦理「紀念二二八活動」實施計畫,做為明年起協助全球各地僑界制度性辦理紀念二二八各項活動的依據。
吳新興提到,僑委會同仁陪大家全台走一圈,海外遺屬在平撫悲傷之餘,了解台灣近況,將看見的市容、人民、風景,回去再轉達給第二代、第三代的子孫,讓新一代的僑胞透過歷史熟悉台灣家鄉,無論如何,僑委會都是僑胞的娘家。
團長王文宏致詞表示8天的行程下來,僑委會同仁全天候陪同,與他們走遍全台13個二二八紀念碑和紀念公園,相當辛苦,也讓家屬們看見「台灣心」。他也感謝各縣市政府首長及僑委會對於此趟「三代傳承之旅」的協助。
王文宏提到,海外228遺屬返鄉團傳承之旅,之所以取名「傳承」,是因為後代子孫不一定真正了解二二八事件對自己家族的重要性,故首次召集三代受難者家屬參與訪問團,有別於以往。他於現場重申海外遺屬訴求,包括新政府落實轉型正義,盡速公佈加害者和元兇等。
此趟海外二二八遺屬返鄉訪問團傳承之旅,僑委會、台北市政府、宜蘭縣政府、桃園市政府、台中市政府、南投縣政府、雲林縣政府、嘉義市政府、台南市政府、高雄市政府、屏東市政府等各縣市首長及相關單位共同協助與陪同。


Baker-Polito Administration Proclaim White Ribbon Day to Prevent Gender-Based Violence

Baker-Polito Administration Proclaim White Ribbon Day to Prevent Gender-Based Violence
10th annual campaign encourages men and boys to participate

BOSTON – Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito today joined members of the administration, public officials and advocates from across the Commonwealth at Fanueil Hall in Boston to commemorate the 10th annual White Ribbon Day in Massachusetts, issuing an official proclamation and enlisting men and boys to commit to being part of the solution to end violence against women and all gender-based violence.

"Massachusetts must continue our steadfast approach to prevent sexual and domestic violence, and men and boys have a key role to play in raising awareness and ending gender-based violence," said Governor Charlie Baker. "Respect, compassion, and non-violence should be the focal point of all relationships, and I welcome all men and boys to join us in finding solutions to end violence and abuse."

Jane Doe Inc., the leading statewide sexual and domestic violence advocacy organization, launched the state White Ribbon Day prevention campaign in 2007. Since 2015, Governor Baker has served as honorary chairperson of the White Ribbon Day campaign. There are now more than 774 men who have signed on as White Ribbon Day Ambassadors, as well as 115 city, town and organization affiliates.

"I am encouraged by the incredible response to the White Ribbon Day campaign in the Commonwealth and I am especially proud of the role our administration has played in its growth these last two years," said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito, Chair of the Governor's Council to Address Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence."Families, children, and individuals across the Commonwealth deserve a life free of sexual and domestic violence, and it is exciting to see so many of our towns and cities become White Ribbon Day affiliates."

The Governor and Lt. Governor were joined by House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo, Senate President Stan Rosenberg, Middlesex County Sheriff Peter Koutoujian, University of Massachusetts Boston Chancellor Keith Motley, and Lawrence Mayor Dan Rivera, along with leaders from Jane Doe Inc. and other domestic violence advocates. Sheriff Koutoujian and Chancellor Motley serve at co-chairs for White Ribbon Day. Jane Doe Inc. also debuted a new “Reimagine Manhood” public service announcement featuring Tom Leydon from Fox25, Joe Amrosino from TV7, Steve Burton from WBZTV-4, and Mike Lynch from Channel 5 that will air on all four stations during the first commercial break of the 5:00 PM newscast.

Following the speaking program, participants marched to Boston City Hall for the first-ever raising of a White Ribbon Day Flag. With support from Presenting Sponsor Banker of America and in partnership with the Office of Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito, the Massachusetts Municipal Association, and the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association, Jane Doe Inc. has sent more than 50 White Ribbon Day flags to middle schools, high schools, college campuses and municipalities throughout the Commonwealth.

“I am proud that the House’s 2014 domestic violence law is one of the strongest and most comprehensive in at least a generation. Because of the courageous survivors we heard from while crafting that law – many of whom lend their voices to White Ribbon Day – we know that these provisions have and will continue to save lives. With the uncertainty in Washington threatening the security and livelihoods of women we, as public officials must do everything in our power to stem the tragic tide of violence against women,” said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D-Winthrop).

"We can have a society free of domestic violence if we keep working for it. I am very encouraged when I see how far White Ribbon Day has come in its first 10 years," said Senate President Stan Rosenberg (D-Amherst).  "We won't stop until we end domestic violence once and for all." 

“I am proud to stand with Governor Baker, Chancellor Motley and so many others to highlight the important role men play as fathers, sons, brothers, friends and mentors in ending violence against women,” said White Ribbon Day Co-Chair Sheriff Koutoujian. “By standing up and taking the pledge today, we are saying to the world that a man’s strength is shown though his character and moral judgment - never through the use of force and violence.”

“Kofi Annan once argued that violence against women is the worst and most common human rights violation,” said White Ribbon Day Co-Chair UMass Boston Chancellor J. Keith Motley. “That sentiment captures the urgency of this plague. And it is with that urgency that I, and no doubt every male member of the UMass Boston community, proudly stand with Governor Baker, Lt. Governor Polito and others on this White Ribbon Day.”

“The White Ribbon Day Campaign advocates a clear message, violence against women, or violence in any domestic partnership is not acceptable, and should not be tolerated,” said Lawrence Mayor Daniel Rivera. “I was proud to stand with the White Ribbon Campaign, Governor Baker, Sheriff Peter Koutoujian and many other Elected Officials and men from throughout the Commonwealth as we take a pledge to end domestic violence.”

“The relevance of the White Ribbon Day Campaign remains as poignant today as when we started a decade ago. While we have made progress in addressing issues of sexual and domestic violence and gender equity and promoting healthy and safe relationships, we cannot take these gains for granted,” said Debra J. Robbin, Executive Director of Jane Doe Inc. “The 780 individual male Ambassadors and 125 Affiliates - groups, companies, schools, municipalities and government agencies – who form the backbone of the White Ribbon Day Campaign are critical allies in our quest for safety and justice for all survivors and communities.”

In April 2015, Governor Baker signed Executive Order 563, re-launching the Governor’s Council to Address Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence. Over its first year, the Council’s priorities included analyzing and reporting on the implementation of Chapter 260: An Act Relative to Domestic Violence, a report was issued providing updates on each of the 49 actionable provisions within the law. The Council has launched work groups in five priority areas, including child trafficking and prevention education in schools and universities, that have established year one deliverables and will report this summer.

Since taking office, the Baker-Polito Administration has nearly doubled funding at the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) for domestic violence specialists, which will allow DTA to double the number of specialists from 11 to 22. The administration has also added funding for four domestic violence specialists at the Department of Children and Families, bringing the total at DCF to nine. The administration’s Fiscal Year 2018 budget proposal recommends $31.3 million at the Department of Public Health for domestic violence and survivor services, as well as $990,000 for the domestic violence court advocacy program.